Last Updated on May 24, 2026

The unique experience of yachting with strangers

What would it take for you to share a bed with a stranger? As thought experiments go, the idea is unthinkable to some, but to others, the question ‘what’s in it for me?’ immediately springs to mind. ‘How about a week-long yachting trip in the Adriatic Sea, complete with breakfast, lunch and a few cases of wine?’ Well, now we’re talking.

More Sailing, the Swedish company behind this bespoke set-up, prides itself on its accessibility, and as part of that, they offer bookings for single or double spaces on a shared boat, as well as entire vessels. I hasten to add that, in practice, More Sailing, a company with over 15 years’ experience in providing yachting experiences, doesn’t actually make you share a bed with someone you don’t know. It is an option, though, alongside their single and double cabins, and one that I was curious about before I sampled a five-day stint on one of their Lagoon 51 catamarans.

The itinerary for the trip was blissfully loose (which I later learned is to cater to the wishes and whims of guests while on board) to the point that when I arrived at Split Saint Jerome Airport, I had no clue where I would be that time tomorrow. A slightly nerve-wracking thought, but one that dissipated instantly after a painless 15-minute Uber ride took me to the historic coastal town Trogir.

Founded by the Greeks and famous for being assembled from centuries-old sandstone buildings, the old town is a small island wedged between the Croatian mainland and the larger island of Čiovo. Having arrived in the evening, the old town was primarily lit by the bars and eateries within its limestone walls, making for a serene atmosphere on a balmy night.

Trogir was just as beautiful the next morning, and not too crowded for early May. The Town’s winding streets lead you gracefully to the central square, where the orange roof of the Cathedral of St Lawrence projected into a bright blue sky. Locals whizzed past on their bikes, no doubt heading for the town’s main stretch, a long promenade parallel to the marina on Čiovo. Trogir feels like it is run by boats and mopeds – in that order – which makes it the ideal place to start an adventure at sea.

More Sailing clearly knows this, as they have a full section carved out for their boats in the marina. As I strolled down the quiet stretch of harbour, the flaneur-ish calm of solo travel began to give way to first-day-of-school nerves when I remembered that I would have to meet and befriend a dozen people imminently, or else risk social ostracisation at sea. Holding my breath on arrival, I waited patiently for our host, Axel. He took my bags, and putting me instantly at ease with a warm smile, he led us down to a row of impressive yachts before announcing: ‘This one is ours – the Moonshadow.’

After precariously balancing myself and my luggage across a plank (which I was told would get easier with time – reader, it never did), I was safely aboard and could take in the full majesty of the Moonshadow. The over 50ft long catamaran boasted conveniences that life in London rarely affords, including air-conditioning, hot showers at good pressure, and even an ice maker. Having never been on a yacht before, I had little to compare it to, but when I was quickly offered a glass of bubbly before parking myself on one of the boat’s many comfy sofas, the overwhelming feeling that ‘I could get used to this’ washed over me.

A handful of my new crewmates were already on board, and as the evening wore on, initial awkwardness gave way to giggly excitability, as we adjusted to our environment for the next few days. After a proper introduction to our skipper, Noah, and the setting of some nautical ground rules, we set sail for our first destination, a small cove off the Croatian coast. There, our host treated us to the first of many delicious meals, including platters of fruit, sirene salads, bread, cheeses and freshly made dips.

The early May weather meant the water was too cold for an evening dip, but the prospect of diving in the following morning sent me off to a dreamy uninterrupted sleep. The cabin was well-sized for two to share comfortably, and aside from the very gentle rocking of the boat, the nights aboard the Moonshadow were comfortable, and aided by a hot shower to end the day.

The subsequent days started to follow a familiar pattern. We would wake up in a cosy bay or harbour, go for a fresh dip, or a walk if we were docked, and set sail for a new destination. Across the Adriatic, we sailed to secluded coves, sandy beaches and coastal towns nestled at the base of the larger Croatian islands of Hvar, Brač and Šolta.

‘We try to accommodate everyone’s wishes’, Noah explained during one particularly calm voyage, ‘if people are really keen to experience something here, we aim to show it to them.’ Assuredly steering at the helm, he said: ‘Everyone is also welcome to be as involved as they want to be in the sailing process – we just want everyone to have a great time.’ Ideal, I thought, as I sipped on a glass of pale rosé next to him, intermittently photographing the coastline.

Of course, being on a boat means that at least for some of the day, you are left to your own devices, so a good book and a pack of cards become necessary additions to the usual packing list. Although, in truth, swimming in bright blue waters, snorkelling in shallows filled with fish, sunbathing and making new friends inevitably occupied most of our time. Evenings were usually spent ashore, either in secluded restaurants or exploring the patchwork of ports that make up Croatia: from the idyllic village of Maslinica to charming towns like Jelsa.

As solo trips go, this is certainly one to consider if you’re in need of an adventure. Although holidays like this can feel as exciting as they do nerve-wracking, the overall experience is worth it. Unlike on larger boats or package holidays, More Sailing is bespoke enough to feel taken care of while on board, as well as personal enough to feel a little pampered – even in rough seas.

When we returned to Trogir on our last day, the heavens opened, and we were hit with relentless rain. Although it was a slightly sour note to end the holiday on, I, for one, felt relieved. Thank goodness, I thought, otherwise I’d never want to leave.

Trips with More Sailing start from approximately £1,470 per person and include accommodation on board, breakfast, lunch and selected drinks. Flights to Split are available from multiple UK airports.
This trip was made possible thanks to the generosity of More Sailing.

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